PCJ – Chapter 456 Offering Ideas

“I’m here on my own. I got a bit lost while walking and ended up in Changfeng County,” Zhang Jiaohua said, weaving a quick explanation to avoid further questions.

Hearing that Zhang Jiaohua wasn’t abducted but had run away from home, Mao Baoshan, the county party secretary, secretly felt relieved. If Zhang had been kidnapped by someone in Changfeng County, any potential collaboration with the Biyu Xianyin Group would have been out of the question. However, if Zhang Jiaohua had simply wandered into the county and was later rescued by the locals, it could be advantageous for the county. Given the significant resources deployed to find Zhang, the grateful Biyu Xianyin Group boss might feel compelled to reward Changfeng County for their efforts.

Mao Baoshan couldn’t suppress a smile and accidentally let slip, “It’s a good thing he got lost!”

Everyone gave him an odd look.

Quickly recovering, Mao added, “What I meant was, it’s a blessing in disguise that Zhang Jiaohua came to our Changfeng County. The simple and honest nature of our locals ensured his safety!” His skill at navigating officialdom allowed him to gloss over the misstep effortlessly.

“Indeed, our county’s culture is exceptionally kind and upright,” the others chimed in, eager to support the party secretary.

Villagers, however, muttered under their breath about Mao’s shamelessness, recalling the public trial earlier that year when the stage had been packed with human traffickers.

Zhang Jiaohua couldn’t be bothered with any of this. He saw through Mao Baoshan’s overly friendly demeanor and knew there was some ulterior motive.

If the officials hadn’t shown up, Zhang would have gone to stay with Liu Zhaodong’s grandson, Liu Junchao. The boy had just finished his chores and was carrying a torch to guide Zhang and Liu Zhaodong back home.

But Mao had sternly instructed Liu Zhongyang, the village chief, to arrange suitable accommodations for Zhang Jiaohua. This meant Zhang couldn’t stay at Liu Zhaodong’s house, which was dilapidated and poorly kept due to the lack of a woman in the household.

“Zhang Jiaohua, stay at my house. I’ll have my wife prepare a new set of bedding for you,” Liu Zhongyang offered.

“No need. I’ll stay with Grandpa Liu,” Zhang replied, clearly unimpressed by Liu Zhongyang’s opportunism.

Liu Zhongyang looked awkward but didn’t dare press the issue.

“What’s the condition of Liu Doctor’s house?” Mao Baoshan asked.

“They’re quite poor—just a grandfather and grandson. Their home isn’t in great shape,” Liu Zhongyang quickly explained.

“Zhang Jiaohua, I think it’s better for you to stay at Liu Zhongyang’s house. The conditions here can’t compare to your Xintian County. Liu Zhongyang’s home is one of the best in Muyun Village,” Mao tried to persuade.

But Zhang was adamant. “I’ll stay with Grandpa Liu. I’m from a rural area too and have lived through tough times.”

“Hey, kid, the secretary is trying to be good to you. Why don’t you appreciate it?” Liu Zhongyang snapped, frustrated.

“Forget it,” Mao Baoshan interjected. “He’ll only be here for one night. The people from Xintian County will likely arrive tomorrow. The key is to ensure he’s still in Changfeng County by then. Officers from the Public Security Bureau will keep watch outside. They’re not to interact with him unnecessarily or do anything to upset him. Understood?” Mao instructed.

Jiang Liangkai, the county police chief, nodded and personally led his officers to guard Liu Zhaodong’s house. As soon as Zhang and Liu entered, the officers secured the doors and windows from outside.

Despite the chilly mountain night in early spring, the officers endured the cold without complaint, accustomed to late-night operations.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jiaohua noticed their presence. The moment they approached Liu Zhaodong’s courtyard, his panther companion’s fur bristled in alertness. Zhang dismissed the matter, recognizing them as harmless local law enforcement.

Inside, Liu Junchao was curious. “Jiaohua, what does your family do? Why are they making such a big fuss over you?”

“My family grows tea,” Zhang replied.

“Tea? Just growing tea? Why would that make the bigwigs so attentive?” Liu Junchao scratched his head, confused.

“What do people here do to make a living?” Zhang asked in return.

“What else can we do? It’s farming and raising pigs. Growing a few acres of crops barely earns anything, and raising a pig for a year or two might bring in just over a thousand yuan. If swine fever strikes, you get nothing. We’re too far from town to sell vegetables,” Liu Junchao said, his voice tinged with frustration.

“But your grandpa treats the villagers. That should bring in some income, right?” Zhang asked.

“Grandpa never charges for treatments. He only takes a bit of money for the Daoist’s pills. Most of what we earn goes toward buying supplies for the Daoist. Some villagers bring us gifts, but others act like it’s their right to receive help without even a word of thanks. During busy seasons, they never offer to lend a hand,” Liu Junchao vented.

“Generosity can turn to resentment if overdone. Grandpa Liu’s approach might not be the best,” Zhang observed. He understood how excessive goodwill could backfire.

“What can I do? Grandpa won’t listen to me,” Liu Junchao lamented.

“I have an idea for you,” Zhang said after some thought.

“What is it?” Liu Junchao perked up, eager for a solution.

“First, stop getting pills from the Daoist. Let him know you don’t need them anymore,” Zhang suggested.

“Why?” Liu Junchao was startled.

“Listen first. Tell the villagers the Daoist has provided a new, better medicine, but it costs fifty yuan per dose. Make it clear that anything less than fifty will cut off their access to all future treatments from the Daoist,” Zhang explained.

“Wait—you can make pills too?” Liu Junchao asked, his eyes wide with disbelief.